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What is Cabinetmaking and Millwork?

Cabinetmaking and Millwork is a field of study focused on the knowledge and technical skills to fabricate wood and composite materials from raw material into a complete article.  To most, the difference between cabinetmaking and millwork is virtually indistinguishable; however, to professionals in the trade, the difference is immense.

In plain terms, cabinetmaking is the fabrication and creation of the cabinet while the millwork is the decorative trim and accents added to the cabinets.

The curriculum within the Cabinetmaking and Millwork degree program will often include understanding of: wood composition, composite composition, machine operations, materials preparation, machinery repair, design, and fabrication.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$50,560

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

26.70%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

356,750

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2025 Best Cabinetmaking and Millwork Courses

Rolla Technical Institute is an educational and vocational training center located in Rolla, Missouri. These educational programs include drawing and design, automotive technology, cabinetmaking, and firefighting and rescue.  High school students can use those educational programs as part of the dual-credit program provided by the school. Rolla Institute of Technology also offers a career resource education program. It aims to provide career counselors for students and graduates. Any student with a high school diploma or GED is welcome to apply.

Acceptance Rate

64

Tuition

$10,800 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The Lancaster County Center and Technology Center provides a variety of options for those who wish to start a new career or develop an existing career.

It provides different learning plans to help learners achieve their goals. Amongst these study programs is Construction Technologies that comprises nine programs. In this program, learners will know about residential carpentry, cabinetmaking and wood technology, commercial construction, and plumbing, and a whole lot more. Students will also be given the opportunity to work in the field on school days to get a better feel of what a day in the life of a construction professional is going to be like for students. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$14,965 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Pennsylvania has 18 buildings including the residential halls, dining halls, classrooms, laboratories, Learning Resource Center, and their activity area such as basketball courts, and fitness center. It houses over 1,300 students that can be enrolled in their full-time day and evening courses.    

It offers an accredited woodworking course that can last up to four semesters with a total credit of 71. Students enrolled in the subject will produce fine pieces of furniture using their own design and skills enhanced and guided by the university’s experienced and dedicated professors. The graduates of the program will be able to apply their knowledge in proper construction of fine furniture and kitchen layout while also practicing safe use of machinery and develop a great work ethic. 

Acceptance Rate

88.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Earning a reputation for producing competitive graduates, Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center offers various programs ranging from automotive technology to welding. Their campus is located at Cape Girardeau, a medium-sized city in Missouri.

Offering hands-on learning with experienced instructors, learners will participate in power tool safety, drywall, and site prep and layout discussions in their Construction Technology Program. Financial aid is also offered to learners via scholarships and loans from the government. Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center is an excellent choice for those who are looking to build their skills for their career.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$8,400 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Washington Holmes – Technical Center, now known as Florida Panhandle Technical College due to its rebranding, offers a safe environment that promotes responsible and ethical practices. It provides excellent academic and technical training with the aim to develop the student’s skills and prepare them to become industry professionals. 

The institute offers a top ranked cabinet making course program for aspiring furniture makers to seek an in-depth training from hands-on and dedicated faculty. The program stresses on design and craftsmanship as well as focusing on the installation of furniture in the areas of a home or businesses. Throughout the 1,200-hour course, students will learn how to operate woodworking machines such as jointers and power saws.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,890 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Pinellas Technical Education Center is a public institution established to give career training opportunities and quality education through various programs. Serving around 12,000 students each year, pTEC is dedicated in ensuring that their students develop the skills and abilities that will be beneficial as they enter the workforce as licensed professionals. 

Construction Trades is one of pTEC’s available degree programs. Individuals who are interested in applying may apply for the financial aids that the institute offers to help cover tuition fees. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 6 to 1, pTEC’s graduates are trained to be competent in the fields they are studying.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,748 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Bridgeland Institute of Technology (BTEC) is located at Logan, Utah and is one of the colleges approved by the Vocational Education Commission. Their goal is to produce high-quality graduates who are competitive in their respective occupations and fields and are guided by employers.  Bridgeland’s Building Technology program allows their students to gain experience in site layout, framing, interior finishing, and exterior finishing. As students learn about cabinetmaking, they will also learn to identify and safely use the tools, develop layouts, and execute proper building and installation of the woodworks. This course is suitable for all interested high school students and adults.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,005 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Washburn Institute of Technology is recognized as a national innovator that provides various opportunities for individuals who want to thrive in modern industry through learning technology courses and advanced degree courses. The university is located in Kansas and offers financial aid to students.

It has designed a course that can help students learn cabinet making or woodwork skills, and provides practical guidance on how to use blueprints and workshop drawings. It also emphasizes the operation of power tools and equipment. Students will learn how to work individually or with a team which develops their social skills and ability to perform well in the professional industry. The course can be completed in two to four semesters, depending on the student’s pace.

Acceptance Rate

50.35

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center, located in Altoona, Pennsylvania, is a technical school that offers a variety of career certificates and programs to high school students, continuing education adults, and those seeking LPN certification. High school students who want to get on the fast track for a career after they graduate have the option to participate in one of GACTC’s many high school career certificate programs. These programs include: automotive tech, cabinetmaking, collision repair, cosmetology, culinary arts, dental assisting, digital technology, drafting and design, masonry, visual arts, electrician, and many more. Adults who are looking to continue their education may also find what they are looking for at Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center. Adult programs of study include: administrative assistant, HVAC, medical assistant, and practical nursing. These adult programs are taught strictly to adult students, with no high school students permitted. GACTC also offers an LPN program for those who are looking to receive a practical nursing certification. This program is offered to high school graduates only and requires that prospective applicants pass an aptitude test prior to acceptance into the program. GACTC does not price its tuition by credit hours but rather by program. Prices vary widely, but range from $5,000 to $11,000, depending on the program. In you or someone you know is interested in applying at Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center, or if you would like to learn more about the career certificates and programs of study offered there, click here to access GACTC’s official website.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$15,235 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Ocean County Vocational Technical School, located in Toms River, New Jersey, is a technical school that offers many educational opportunities to both adults and high school students. Whether an adult student wants to change their career path, or a high school student wants to jumpstart their career training prior to graduation, OCVTS has something for everyone.

Ocean County Vocational Technical School offers an extensive GED preparation program for those adult students who are looking to complete their high school education. This program is designed especially for adults who need extra help preparing for the GED exam. With flexible weekend and night classes, OCVTS makes getting a GED easy and convenient.

OCVTS also offers career certificates to adults who are looking to further their education. These adult career certificate programs include: audio electronics, cosmetology, new home construction, culinary arts, practical nursing, automotive technology, and more.

Also offered at Ocean County Vocational Technical School is the opportunity for students who are still in high school to get a head start on their career training by beginning a part-time career certificate program. These programs include: child care, cosmetology, fashion merchandising, law, public safety, homeland security, welding, HVAC, woodworking, fitness technology, graphic design, collision repair, motorsports technology, electrician, visual communications, and many more.

In you or someone you know is interested in applying at Ocean County Vocational Technical School, or if you would like more information regarding the many career certificates and programs of study offered there, click here to access the official OCVTS website.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$10,160 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Located in Alexandria, Los Angeles, CLTCC is a two-year technical community college with 8 campuses designed to prepare for their respective careers. CLTCC was approved by the legislature's Bill 760 in 2012, and now continues to provide high-quality and comprehensive education courses and programs. 

Central Louisiana Technical Community College’s Manufacturing program provides many options to learners who are interested to engage in the art of manufacturing. They have skilled and experienced faculty members and staff who know what skills are needed by the students. CLTCC is easy to access and ensures that all qualified applicants have equal education.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Moraine Park Technical College provides learners technical and vocational knowledge and experience needed as they enter the workforce. They offer different programs that will give students certificates or associate degrees.   A student earns a certificate or diploma once he or she completes the Architecture and Construction program. The institute offers different financial aids to help students stay in school to continue their education. Students who do not have a high school diploma may still enroll in certain job-entry preparation courses.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

With its valuable education for more than a century, Fox Valley Technical College started as an urban vocational school. Learners will obtain occupational training from over 200 programs, whether they are preparing to start a new career or jump start an existing one. 

Construction and residential buildings provide career opportunities for students, such as carpenters, builders, expeditors and building materials salesmen. In this program, they will learn to build or remodel a home and gain knowledge in operating tools, machinery, and equipment safely. Program instruction is made up of 20% classroom discussions, 30% laboratory work, and 50% on-site construction tasks to ensure that the students are well-prepared to enter the workforce.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Since its establishment in 1972, the Western Institute of Technology in La Crosse aims to benefit the community by providing students with life-long learning and opportunities to succeed in a rapidly changing industry. The university values excellence, learning, diversity, teamwork and respect.

It’s cabinet making course is focused on helping the students learn how to create furniture designs and use safe construction methods using the latest technology. The program is guided by experienced instructors that also teach finishing techniques and proper use of woodworking tools. Western Institute of Technology requires aspiring students to participate in online assessments to assess their skills in reading comprehension and arithmetic.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Bates Technical College is a vocational school that provides vocational and technical education and training to guide individuals seeking to join the workforce. It is open to individuals who try to meet the minimum standards of admission requirements. 

Bates Technical College’s Carpentry program is designed to prepare students for employment in the construction industry. To provide students with useful experiences, they provided construction and renovation projects outside the campus, and involved their students in all steps of the construction. Scholarships are available for students who will meet the qualifications.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Francis Tuttle Technology Center, located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is a public education center founded in 1979 to provide technical and vocational training for teenagers and adults through a variety of programs and is named after Dr. Francis Tuttle, former director of the State Department of Vocational Technical Education in Oklahoma.

Academics

The school maintains relationships with six school districts, providing students education opportunities that prepare an individual for entry into the work force. In addition to the high school program is the adult and community business division which works with adults wishing to receive an education that assists in economic growth and allows for career opportunities. Programs typically take between on and two years to complete and result in a certificate that demonstrates the individual is capable of performing duties and tasks required of positions at the entry level.

Programs offered include:

The school also offers continuing education courses for adults wishing to refresh their education or is required to take a certain number of class hours for renewal of their license or certification.

Admissions

Students wishing to enroll that are still in high school may do so through systems in place within their school district that allow for transfer and education. Adults seeking enrollment will complete and application and pay the associated fees, providing previous transcripts and documents if available. Students will should provide ACT or SAT scores, and may be asked to take a COMPASS placement exam if they do not have viable scores. Additionally, individuals that have not graduated high school will have to meet with a counselor in order to be considered for admission.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,640 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The mission of Southern Crescent Technical College is to deliver relevant education and provide learning opportunities to prepare the students for the industry. It values academic excellence, student success, and integrity.  Southern Crescent offers a certificate of credit for students who completed the Cabinet Making course which has 17 credit hours that can be done in 1 term. Applicants of the program are required to be at least 16 years old, can provide high school transcript, and must meet the assessment requirements. During the program, students will learn cabinetmaking skills, reading of blueprints, and safety in handling tools and machineries.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

All Kiamichi Technology Centers (KTC) are located throughout southeastern Oklahoma, offering convenience of location so as to easily provide great educational opportunities for all community members. KTC seeks to help students build self-worth by aligning them with knowledge, skills, and opportunities to ensure they create economic value in Oklahoma and beyond. As part of Oklahoma’s network of 29 different technology centers, KTC offers recent high school graduates, as well as adult students, the ability to train in more than 90 instructional subjects. Some of these subject areas are:

  • Automotive
  • Business and Technology
  • Construction
  • Cosmetology
  • Early Care and Education
  • Healthcare
  • Hospitality and Services
  • Public Services
  • Stem
More subject areas can be seen by visiting the school's degree and certificate pathways page at ktc.edu/program. KTC offers academics on the Spiro campus through daytime courses, which can be completed within a year. With a variety of start dates available, students can apply when it is convenient for them, so they can begin a path to a career in excellence. Students wishing to apply to Kiamichi Technology Center should contact a KTC admissions advisor to begin the enrollment process and find out the requirements specific to their program of study. Students who are eligible may receive financial aid assistance, which includes federal Pell grants, Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant programs, SEO grants, and work-study programs.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,100 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Savannah Technical College is located in Georgia and offers nearly 150 courses that students can use in the professional industry. It also provides corporate training and assessment programs in aviation, public service, health sciences, and adult classes.   The college outlined a luxury cabinet making course that aims to develop the skills and knowledge of the students in luxury craft materials and luxury print reading. After completing the 10 credit hours, graduates of the program will receive a certificate. Individuals who want to enroll must first submit a high school diploma or GED and pass the assessment exam required by the university before they can begin enrollment.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Uintah Basin Applied Technology College, located in Roosevelt, Utah, was founded in 1968 to provide technical training and education for residents of the Uintah, Daggett and Duchesne counties. The school is one of the eight schools that comprise the Utah College of Applied Technology, which offers postsecondary training facilities and opportunities throughout the state. The school also maintains a second campus in the city of Vernal and has programs for both adults and high school students.

Academics

Uintah Basin Applied Technology College offers a variety of programs that allow individuals to receive education and training in given field, earn a certificate, followed by the pursuit of long term employment. Programs are offered year round, and allow individuals to pursue their education at their own pace, advancing through courses as skills and abilities are fully developed.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and FInancial Aid

Uintah Basin Applied Technology College admits both adults and high schools students. Individuals should complete the application for admissions and provide any information related to one's education, as well as pay all accrued fees. Students should meet with an advisor prior to enrolling to discuss programs options. Financial aid is available in the form of loans and grants awarded based on need as determined by the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$1,860 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

The Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas also known as UAC is a community college. Its application process takes 10 specific steps starting from completion of the admission application process down to the school’s required class attendance.  UAC provides different programs in different departments including Skilled and Technical associate programs which are all directed towards hands-on training. This includes cabinet making so that students will become competent and skilled workers in the future. At UAC, students can take advantage of the school’s faculty resources and elevate their learning about millwork and cabinet-making.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Chisolm Trail Technology Center, located in Omega, Oklahoma, is a technical college that offers courses and certificates in a wide array of fields.

CTTC offers certificates and career training in business management and administration that includes: administrative assistant training, office information specialist training, medical office assistant training, and medical insurance coder training. They also offer certificates in finance, health sciences, human services, and information technology.

Employers who wish to expand or expound upon their staff’s knowledge can utilize CTTC’s safety training courses, existing industry training courses, or the adult training and development program.

Online training is also available through Chisolm Trail Technology Center via their Ed2Go program. Distance learning students can enroll for training in accounting, business, college readiness, computer applications, design, health care, law, technology, and writing.

Students who wish to augment their education with additional training through Chisolm Trail Technology Center are able to attend the institution for free, with the exception of any fees.

In-district adult tuition is $2.00 per hour for each 600 hour program of study. Out-of-district adults can attend CTTC for $4.00 per hour for each 600 hour program of study.

Those who wish to enroll should call CTTC and make an appointment with a counselor who can guide them in the right direction. CTTC has set enrollment times that should be taken into consideration.

If you are interested in applying at Chisolm Trail Technology Center, or would like to learn more about the many programs of study that are offered there, click here to access CTTC’s official website.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$1,800 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Central Carolina Community College aims to help individuals to continue their education and prepare them for a rewarding career. The institution is a public two-year college that serves primarily the residents of Chatham, Harnett, and Lee counties in North Carolina. 

It offers a millworking program within the construction technology degree that focuses on hands-on training and classroom instructions to develop the skills of the students and equip them with knowledge about the industry. Students will learn how to properly use construction tools and techniques, cabinet making, as well as learn how to establish good communication skills that can be used in the business industry. Graduates of the program will receive diplomas and certificates.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Lee College is dedicated to serve the community and empower students by providing quality and innovative education. It is located in Baytown, Texas, and offers more than 100 certificate and associate degree programs.

With its commitment to prepare the students to succeed in today’s industry and challenging environment, Lee College developed a leading cabinet making program that consists of 60 credit hours for an associate degree, and 38 credit hours for completion of the certificate. Experienced instructors will demonstrate the proper use of equipment and methods and help the students practice basic arithmetic for computing labor and construction cost. Upon completion, graduates of the program can work as carpenters, cabinetmakers, woodworkers and desktop carpenters.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Clover Park Technical College offers not only technical courses but also academic and extracurricular programs. The school ensures that students receive scholarships and emergency aid funds to ensure that they stay in school and empower them. 

Clover Park Technical College’s School of Automotive and Trades offers courses that are established to provide and enhance basic mechanical skills needed in the art of construction, welding, and upholstery, among a few others. Some of these programs are recognized as HVAC/Refrigeration and Specialty Electrical Training Programs for Limited Energy by the state of Washington. After the program is completed, graduates can apply at local auto dealerships, construction companies and auto repair shops.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Top Degrees in Cabinetmaking & Millwork

Woodworking departments at colleges and universities across the country provide an array of programs in cabinetmaking and millwork.  Cabinets for residential and commercial use are ubiquitous and the need for trained professionals continues to expand year over year.  In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor estimates nearly 1 million trained individuals are in the specialty construction trade with an expected growth of 8% in the coming decade.

This job growth will translate to some 169,100 job openings in the reporting period providing opportunities for growth and job stability for experienced, educated professionals.  In addition to cabinetmaking and millwork degrees, students seeking programs in a woodworking department may also be interested in carving technology, woodworking skills technology, veneering technology, case furniture construction, lathe turning, guitar making, table manufacturing, or chair manufacturing.

An overview of certificate programs and degree programs in cabinetmaking include the following programs.

Certificate Programs in Cabinetmaking & Millwork

A certificate program in cabinetmaking and millwork is a short, focused program.  Certificates can last from a few weeks to a few months depending on the scope of the class.  Certificate programs provide students with the essentials to understand foundational elements in the trade along with hands-on learning opportunities in a shop or classroom.

Some students take the class to add skills to an existing hobby while others utilize certificate programs to gain trade-specific knowledge to begin a career in the field.  For those seeking employment in the field of fabrication and manufacturing, a certificate is an academic vehicle to help find an entry-level position in the field.

Associate Degrees in Cabinetmaking & Millwork

An associate degree in cabinetmaking and millwork is a 2-year program for full-time students.  Degrees at this level are conferred as an Associate of Science (AS).  Associate degrees meld liberal arts education with core classes to help students think more holistically about the world around them.  General education classes include courses such as communications, history, philosophy, psychology, and sociology.

Core classes found in a cabinetmaking and millwork course will vary by school and tools available in the shop.  Examples of classes may include: fundamentals of woodworking, machine woodworking, business management, materials management, logistics, plastic laminate techniques, residential cabinetry, architectural millwork, cabinet layout design, machine tool set-up, finish work, touch-up, and repair.

Employment Information & Millwork Specializations

Certificate programs and degrees in millworking set students up for various woodworking trades. From finish work to rough carpentry, woodworking can take various forms for those that are formally trained. Students seeking to use their degree outside of millwork, can consider skills learned in school for other vocations. Samples of careers include: carpentry, general contracting, CNC machining, computer programming, CAD programming, ironworking, machining, tool making, operations manager, and millwright.

Cabinetry Job Growth & Career Outlook

Forecasted job growth appears to be steadily increasing along with the general economy.  With the trades and construction sectors bumping along, the median average for all jobs is mirroring cabinetmakers.  Alternatively, similar trade careers for machinists are set to rise 6% and a 7% increase in jobs for carpenters in the coming decade.  These two sectors alone will add nearly 200,000 jobs to our economy in the next ten years.  Meanwhile, employment growth for cabinetmakers and millwork trades will add nearly twenty-five thousand jobs.

Resources for Cabinetmakers & Millwork
  • Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA)
  • World Millwork Alliance (WMA)
  • American Hardwood Association (AHA)
  • Moulding and Millwork Producers Association (MMPA)
  • Cabinetmakers Association (CMA)

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